Shelf Life

The Library Friends of Payson have contributed more than $45,000 to the library this fiscal year, which ends June 30. In addition, the group has approved the expenditure of $8,000 to buy large-print and core-collection books. The group raises the money through donations and gifts, fund-raising activities and membership dues. New members are always welcome. For information, call membership chairman Carol Lease at 474-8719.

Terry's Top Ten

Adult fiction

"Bloodstream," Tess Garritsen Frighteningly realistic medical detail woven into heart- stopping suspense, as a small-town doctor races to unravel the roots of a violent epidemic before it destroys everything she loves.

"Heart of a Warrior," Johanna Lindsay Richly overflowing with the humor, surprise, sensuality, and emotion that have become the author's trademarks. When it comes to fictional affairs of the heart, the extraordinary Lindsay is one of a kind.

"Back When we Were Grownups," Anne Tyler Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered that she had turned into the wrong person. Rebecca is caught unawares by the question of who she really is. How she answers it is the story told in this beguiling, funny and deeply moving novel.

Adult nonfiction

"Disaster the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906," Dan Kurzman A masterful account of the calamitous demise and astonishing resurrection of an American city, and the triumph of a rough and tumble populace that refused to succumb to nature in its most merciless mood.

"Complete Wine Course," Kevin Zraly This book offers a look at the trends in wine over the past 10 years and takes the reader on a country-by-country, region-by-region, best-buy-ratings tour of the latest vintages.

"Tranquility Fountains," Mickay Baskett How to turn any place in your home or garden into a peaceful haven by making a fountain to sit by and listen to as you take a brief respite from your life.

Kid's corner

"The Royal Diaries, Kaiulani, The People's Princess," Ellen Emerson White The diary of a 13-year-old Hawaiian princess who leaves her beloved Hawaii to complete her schooling in England. An epic story of the Hawaiian Islands and the royalty that ruled.

"The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party," Marian Calabro Stark detail and unique attention to the experiences of the children and teenagers who made up nearly half of the group. Calabro draws on the observations of Virginia Reed, who was 12 years old when her family left Springfield. Virginia's letters and recollections give a personal voice to the tragic tale.

"Who's a Pest," Crosby Rowell Bonsall Every child who is allergic to being called a pest will find this story uproariously funny. The tongue twisting dialogue, which is as readable as it is laugh provoking, and the equally hilarious pictures are sure to make it a favorite with beginning readers everywhere.

Videos

Winner of nine Academy Awards, "Ghandi, The Man of the Century," is explored in this breathtaking unforgettable motion picture. A vision of the heart and soul of a man, Ghandi is a classic epic as timeless as the man himself.

Looking ahead

June 11 Edward C. Oetting of Arizona State University's Speakers' Bureau will discuss "Hiking in Arizona" at 10:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the Womans Club. The program will be followed by a potluck luncheon. The meeting and luncheon are open to the public. For more information, call Wilma Dalby at 472-7979.

Editor's note: Shelf Life, written by Library Friends of Payson member Carol Zebb, is a monthly column on library and Library Friends happenings. It appears in the Roundup the last Friday of every month, and features a list of the Payson Public Library's top-10 new book releases selected by the library's director, Terry Morris. The Library Friends of Payson is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for the Payson Public Library and library services.